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Previous updates from the Forest Landowners Association!

Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works Holds Hearing on Endangered Species Act Modernization

On Wednesday, February 15 2015 the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, chaired by U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (WY) held a hearing entitled “Oversight: Modernization of the Endangered Species Act. Offering both written and verbal testimony at the hearing (more)

Tax Time

Forestland tax rules change every year and 2016 was no exception. Here’s what you need to know as you prepare your returns for April.

This report provides up-to-date federal income tax information affecting timber transactions. It assists woodland owners, logging professionals, foresters and their tax accountants in filing the 2016 tax returns. The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not intended for legal or accounting advice. It is current as of September 30, 2016. (more)

Tar Heels in the Forest

Modern forestry has deep roots in North Carolina, home to one of America’s strongest forest industries and site of FLA’s 2017 national conference.

When the Forest Landowners Association welcomes members tothe Omni Grove Park Inn for the annual National Forest Landowners Conference in Asheville, North Carolina, on May 30, it will return to arguably the birthplace of American forestry.The Tar Heel state’s nickname originates from the earliest days of the colony, when the area’s vast pine forests were an important source of tar, pitch, and turpentine to the British Navy.Organized forestry began around the start of the 20th century out of a need to restore and protect the Appalachian Mountains, which had been damaged by more than a century of abusive lumbering and fire. At the time, nearly all of North Carolina was clearcut to make way for farms. (more)

Amongst 132 Organizations Pushing for Death Tax Repeal Act

On Tuesday January 25th a letter written by the Family Business Coalition and signed by 132 different trade associations, including the Forest Landowners Association (FLA),was sent to Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-SD) in support of their Death Take Repeal Act of 2017. The letter thanked the senator and congresswoman for their bill saying, “The negative effects of the estate tax make permanent repeal the only solution for family businesses and farms. Your legislation will help America’s family businesses create jobs, expand operations, and grow the economy.” (more)

Landowner Engagement

Stepping Up the Message

Timber talks and forest forums spotlight role of private forests in at-risk species conservation and environmental benefits; FLA events held in Georgia, Alabama

FLA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Host Forum at Auburn

FLA and representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) held a Forest Forum on Nov. 10 at Auburn to strengthen the relationship between forest landowners and the USFWS.

FLA members respond quickly to IRS on the proposed change

More than 35 family forest stakeholders responded to FLA’s Call to Engage by sending comments to the IRS on the US Department of Treasury proposed changes to the way estates are valued in what is known as section 2704.

Investing in a Consulting Forester

Retaining a forestry professional can be a landowner’s best move. The key is to check credentials and find the one best suited for your needs.

When it comes to choosing a forester,one size does not fit all. Given the individualized nature of a forest property in terms of management goals, it can be a challenge to identify and hire the proper professional.

Forestry commission foresters and extension agents provide valuable free advice. While the price is right, public service foresters tend to provide only a cursory examination of woodlands and generic recommendations for forest management. Many landowners seek a more thorough review of the property and a more in-depth report. (more)

The 2016 Forest Year in Review

Just about any issue or trend that impacted forest landowners in 2016 was overshadowed and influenced by the 2016 Presidential election.

Whether it was the death tax, markets, regulation on multiple fronts, they were all subplots to the most polarizing Presidential election in American history. (more)

Presidents Letter

Happy New Year! Regardless of how you voted in the general election or what predictions might be made about the impact of the results, we can be sure of one thing: this presents an opportunity for private forest landowners.

It has been more than a decade since the executive branch and Congress were aligned under the Republican Party and the first time since 1928 that a Republican President has taken office with a majority in Congress. Although we are not a partisan association, we all can agree that the priorities of private forest landowners often are advanced by the Republican Party. The GOP, after all, tends to have a better understanding of our shared values. (more)

FLA Board Meeting Set for February 6-8 in Washington DC

The Forest Landowners Association Executive Committee and Board of Directors will meet February 6-8 in Washington DC to discuss strategic priorities for the upcoming year, conduct official association business and meet with elected representatives on Capitol Hill.

“There is no better place for us to jump right in to our work on behalf of private forest landowners in 2017 than in Washington DC,” said FLA CEO Scott Jones. “Congress and the administration have both begun to realize the economic and environmental importance of larger private forest landowners and the FLA will continue to reinforce our role in having the needs and concerns of these landowners clearly communicated.”

The meeting will kick off on Monday with two smaller breakout meetings. The Strategic Planning Implementation Committee will meet in the morning and the Executive Committee will meet in the afternoon. (more)